Most Asian Shares Decline;
Nikkei Falls to 12-Year Low

An Interactive Journal News Roundup

Updated Sept. 17, 1998 4:29 p.m. ET

Tokyo's Nikkei average of 225 stocks plunged 338.56 points, or 2.38%, to 13859.14 -- its lowest level since March 1986. News that Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and opposition parties may reach a compromise on financial reform bills as early as Thursday evening wasn't enough to counteract the pessimism many investors have about the economy.

"While the bank reform bills may bring some transparency to the financial...